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Photo caption: Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital Chief Executive Officer Rick Mace, right, presents a commemorative plaque to Ron Hawkins in honor of the dedication of the hospital’s chapel to Hawkins and his family. For a larger version of this image, click on the photo.

Bolingbrook – Ron Hawkins is not one to seek out recognition for the work he does, so when he was asked whether the Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital chapel could be named for him, he was hesitant.

“I really thought about it for a while,” Hawkins said. “I had some conversations with my wife, and we decided that if there’s anything I would want my name on, it would be the chapel, something connected to spirituality. That’s basically how I live my life.”

The Bolingbrook Hospital Foundation held a ceremony Nov. 22 to dedicate the chapel to Hawkins and his family. The son of a minister, Hawkins said Christ has been his guide throughout his life, and this helped lead to his involvement with the Adventist Midwest Health system.

“A lot of organizations say certain things, but they don’t really act in the way the mission is set out,” Hawkins said. “Adventist Midwest Health does, and that’s what draws me to the organization and really makes me want to serve with them.”

Hawkins’ work with Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital, as well as his generosity since the hospital opened five years ago, led to the chapel dedication, said Derek Cazeau, executive director with the Bolingbrook Hospital Foundation.

“Finding a way to thank Ron for his commitment to the hospital is difficult, because he has done so much,” Cazeau said. “This chapel dedication seemed the perfect way to honor both Ron and his family, and we’re glad we have the chance to do this for them.”

A former vice president with McDonald’s Corporation, Hawkins is now retired after 40 years with the company and lives in Tennessee. The former Bolingbrook resident remains a member of the Boards of Directors with both the Bolingbrook Hospital Foundation and Adventist Midwest Health.

The chapel dedication still makes Hawkins emotional, and he is humbled by the honor. Anytime he has donated to the hospital, it has never been in his name, he said. It has been as a friend to Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital. He’s done this for a very good reason.

“If you’re serving Christ, it should not be about you,” he said. “It should be about serving Him.”